Name: Michael Schenker
Born: 10th January, 1955 (Sarstedt, Germany)
Profile: He is a German rock guitarist, best known for his tenure in "UFO", in addition to his solo work. He first rose to fame as a founding member of the "Scorpions", then achieved fame in the mid 70's as the lead guitar player for "UFO". Since leaving UFO in 1978, he has been leading the "Michael Schenker Group" in various incarnations.
History: Michael started playing at an early age, after his brother Rudolf brought home a Gibson Flying V guitar, which captured his imagination. He played his first gig when he was 11 with the "Scorpions" in a nightclub. Michael debuted with "Scorpions" on their debut album at age 17. The "Scorpions" went on tour after recording their first album, opening up for upcoming UK band "UFO" in Germany. Michael was offered the position of lead guitar player Bernie Marsden, even though he didn't speak English.
Michael wrote the music for most of UFO's major label. He left "UFO" soon after the last show of their US tour in Palo Alto, California, in October 1978. His playing with "UFO" attracted attention from music critics and especially from the guitar community.
Michael briefly re-joined the "Scorpions" in late 1978, and the year after he toured with the band in support of the album, but left the band 3 months later, where he was permanently replaced by Matthias Jabs, who had originally joined the "Scorpions" before Michael's return.
In 1979, Michael formed the "Michael Schenker Group (MSG)" and he briefly played guitar for the band "Ratt", appearing on their 1990 MTV Unplugged performance. Michael continues to perform and record and to maintain a following, and is called "a legendary figure in the history of metal guitar."
Influences: Rudolf Shanker
Axology: Gibson Flying V guitar, Schenker Dean V guitar and Marshall amplifiers
Link(s):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bwa3qErkUnU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Blvnoao1WO0
"Big brother (Rudolf Shanker) has influence. But I had the passion, discipline and the desire to become what I felt deep inside (to be a guitarist)" - Michael Shanker
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